Portraits of Faith: International Buddhist Center

Wheaton's diversity is well-known, but that diversity also extends to the faith communities that worship in the area. Here's a chance to meet the people who lead the churches, synagogues and temples that make up Wheaton. 

Bhante K. Uparatana Adhikarana Nayake Maha Thera leads the International Buddhist Center, tucked just a few blocks from the intersection of University Boulevard and Georgia Avenue.

Patch: How would you describe your congregation?

Bhante Uparatana: This is an American, Sri Lankan, Burmans, Cambodian,  Laotian, Vietnamese, Thai congregation—all people come to the temple. Mainly Sri Lankan Buddhist people are members of the temple. About 300 Sri Lankan families from the Maryland, Virginia, and DC area support this temple regularly.

Patch: How do you reach out to those who come to the temple?

BU:  We offer meditation every Wednesday from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This is open to the public on a first come, first served basis. I also attend special events when a monk is needed—memorial event, newborn, wedding, birthday, sickness blessings, and funerals. We also support cultural events that are important in Sri Lanka that people living here miss. We will have a block party on April 17th to celebrate the new year, which will be celebrated in Sri Lanka on April 13th and 14th. This celebration is open to the public. There will be games, food, and activities for children. We also celebrate the Buddha’s birthday, Weske Day here, which is the biggest religious day.

Many visitors who are curious about Buddhism come here to ask questions. We also teach introductory classes about Buddhism. I also am the Buddhist chaplain at American University.

Patch: How did you become a monk?

BU:  I was ordained in Sri Lanka in 1966. There were many images of Buddha in Sri Lanka and most people are Buddhist. Everyone respected the monk and I decided that I wanted to become a monk. When I was 10 years old, I received my robe. That is a very young age. But this is a typical age to ordain.

Patch: What do you think the place of religion should be in wider society?

BU: Religion is a freedom. I feel that with Buddhism, anybody can practice Buddhism who wants to change their own path; however, I never try to convert. I have lived in this country for more than 30 years and I have never tried to convert anyone. I will give information if someone asks, if they want to learn. Religion is a way of life—how to live peacefully here and in the afterlife. We believe in rebirth and in heaven and hell. We teach people to cultivate their mind and to live with peace—practice meditation and teach. Praying is not what we always do; we teach people how to practice Buddhism in their own life.

Patch: Where is your favorite place to be in Wheaton?

BU: I like the The lotus pond is my favorite place. I also like very much to walk around the temple neighborhood. I know that there are many other places of entertainment that people enjoy, which is fine, but as a monastic person, my favorite place is in the garden.